Former mobile park owner wants to convert Fort Pierce land into a marina

FORT PIERCE — The owner of the former Causeway Mobile Home Park wants to turn the vacant land into a commercial marina.

Ashton DePeyster of Palm Beach is applying to the state Department of Environmental Protection to build a 303-boat slip docking facility attached to his property next to the waste treatment plant at the southeast side of the South Causeway Bridge.

"I'm hopeful that this would be a great asset to the city," DePeyster said. "Hopefully, Fort Pierce will have a brighter future, and this will be a major part of it."

DePeyster said he wants the marina to be the beginning of the redevelopment of the area with the next step being a five-star resort on the waste treatment plant's land. City officials still plan to move the plant elsewhere.

Matthew Butler of Isiminger and Stubbs Engineering, who is applying to the state on behalf of DePeyster, said the project is in the preliminary stages.

Because applying for a state permit is a lengthy process, City Manager David Recor said applicants usually get state permits before applying to the city.

Recor said the effect of the potential project on the city depends on DePeyster's plans for the land, which is just as important for his plans for the water.

"The construction of this type of marina certainly has the potential to have a tremendous economic impact in our community," Recor said.

The land, which Recor said is a prime piece of real estate, is about 17 acres and valued at more than $4 million, according to the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser's Office.

Even though the city is getting ready to expand its marina, Recor said there is a demand for this type of project.

"It's certainly an incredible opportunity if the area is planned right," Recor said. "While this may be considered competition, competition's healthy."

Recor said the area's potential for redevelopment would expand with the relocation of the waste treatment plant.

City officials plan to schedule a planning session where land stakeholders and the public create a vision for the western peninsula of South Beach, which stretches from the western edge of Harbour Isle Condominiums around the bridge to Chuck's Seafood Restaurant.

Recor said he recommends splitting the $35,000 cost of the meeting with St. Lucie County.

If the project proceeds through the state Department of Environmental Protection, Recor said the applicant would apply to the city for a site plan review. He said planning staff would coordinate the review before going to the City Commission for approval.